Italy: Two men arrested for forest arson and animal cruelty

Authorities in Italy have arrested two men in separate incidents involving arson and animal cruelty.

In Filandari, Calabria, a 50-year-old rancher was arrested for intentional forest arson. The suspect was caught in flagrante after a regional drone, part of the ‘Tolleranza Zero’ monitoring project, captured live footage of him setting fire to a pine and oak forest. The blaze destroyed over 2,000 square meters of vegetation before being contained. The man has been placed under house arrest.

In Adrano, Sicily, a 47-year-old man was detained following a gruesome investigation into animal abuse. Police discovered the remains of two dogs inside bags abandoned near his residence; one animal had been partially burned and had a belt tightened around its neck. A third, malnourished dog was rescued alive. Investigators found bloodstains and combustion residues in the suspect's apartment. The man, who has a criminal record, has been subjected to a mandatory psychiatric treatment order (TSO).